Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 481:The Margrave Estate

The Margrave Estate was situated a staggering twenty thousand miles distant from Blanks.

The sheer immensity of the distance presented a significant challenge.

Even with awakened war horses, renowned for their incredible speed, the vast journey demanded considerable patience and unwavering endurance.

Throughout their travels, strategic rest stops were made as needed, sometimes near tranquil rivers or in serene forest clearings to replenish their strength. At other times, the pace was moderated to savor the unfolding scenery, observing distant mountains bathed in the sunset's glow or vast plains stretching beneath the evening sky.

Periodically, monstrous entities would emerge along their path.

These were sometimes simply roaming beasts that had strayed too close to established trade routes, or perhaps aggressive creatures lurking ominously within dense forests.

For Ethan, these unexpected encounters transformed into valuable opportunities for rigorous training.

On several occasions, he dismounted to confront these threats personally, employing the battles as a means to meticulously test and refine his newly acquired Mythic power. Though typically brief, the fights were undeniably intense, with the monsters seldom surviving more than a few moments before succumbing to his might.

Two weeks passed in this manner, marked by travel and combat.

Finally, Ethan began to subtly slow his mount as the road ascended towards a prominent ridge that offered a commanding view of a sprawling valley below.

From the vantage point atop the ridge, a colossal city materialized in the far distance.

Imposing walls encircled the entire capital, resembling a gigantic stone fortress safeguarding the valley's interior. Innumerable towers pierced the skyline above the formidable walls, while the vibrant banners of the Duchy danced and fluttered in the wind.

Even from such a considerable remove, the city's scale was undeniably immense.

Rathlos guided his horse forward, eventually drawing alongside Ethan.

"That is Margrave City," Rathlos stated calmly, adjusting his spectacles. "It stands as the most significant trade hub within this entire region."

Ethan narrowed his gaze, his attention fixed on the distant fortifications.

"So, that is the destination," he murmured.

Even across this vast separation, a peculiar sensation emanated from the city.

Potent mana fluctuations could be faintly perceived, drifting from the direction of the capital. Within the city walls, several formidable auras moved with the subtlety of hidden storms concealed beneath placid skies.

It was evident that this location was a magnet for a multitude of exceptionally powerful individuals.

"The auction must be drawing quite the crowd," Ethan mused aloud.

Rathlos offered a slow nod in agreement.

"The Merchant Association seldom orchestrates auctions of such significant magnitude."

"When they do, it invariably attracts numerous influential nobles and prominent organizations."

"Indeed, some even make the journey from neighboring duchies to attend."

A faint smile touched Ethan's lips.

"Excellent."

"This suggests the auction promises to be exceptionally interesting."

They resumed their measured ride towards the city's imposing structure.

As their proximity increased, the road gradually became more densely populated.

Merchants' caravans formed long, unbroken lines along the thoroughfare. Some were laden with exotic wares, while others transported rare beasts confined within heavily reinforced cages. Vigilant guards marched alongside the wagons, their weapons held at the ready, as traders vociferously haggled over prices and delivery terms.

The capital clearly thrived on the relentless pulse of commerce. Eventually, the colossal city gates loomed into view.

The gates themselves were a breathtaking sight, standing nearly twenty meters in height and constructed from robust, reinforced black steel. Stern-faced ranks of armored guards were stationed outside, meticulously inspecting the inbound caravans with careful scrutiny.

Massive banners bearing the insignia of the Duchy were prominently displayed above the imposing gate.

Ethan gently slowed his horse, proceeding calmly towards the main entrance.

Several guards immediately directed their attention towards him.

The instant they recognized the noble insignia emblazoned on his cloak, their expressions shifted to one of marked seriousness.

Without hesitation, they swiftly moved aside to clear his path.

Ethan registered their prompt compliance with a sense of quiet satisfaction. Fortunately, there was no need for any disruptive conflict or displays of unwarranted arrogance.

One of the senior officers stepped forward, offering a respectful bow.

"My lord," he greeted.

"Welcome to Margrave City."

Ethan offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.

"Clear the way."

The massive, heavy gates swung open slightly, allowing Ethan and Rathlos to pass through unimpeded and without delay.

Once inside the city, the sights and sounds became even more profoundly impressive.

Broad, paved stone roads extended across the capital, laid out in a precise grid pattern. Towering structures lined both sides of these avenues, their facades adorned with banners from various merchant houses fluttering from balconies and elevated towers.

Throngs of people, representing countless different regions, filled the vibrant streets.

Some were attired in the fine garments of nobility, while others were clad as seasoned warriors, shrewd merchants, or even rugged, wandering adventurers.

The city pulsed with an undeniable, vibrant energy.

Margrave City was recognized as one of Arcadia's most ancient and prosperous urban centers. A population nearing fifty million souls resided within its expansive, fortified walls.

The city's sheer size was nearly equivalent to the entirety of the Blanks Barony.

As Ethan guided his horse through the crowded thoroughfares, his eyes scanned the bustling markets surrounding him. An eclectic array of stalls showcased rare items, potent artifacts, alchemical potions, magically enhanced weaponry, and intricate magical contraptions.

Merchants loudly extolled the virtues of their wares, while eager customers engaged in spirited bargaining.

However, amidst the myriad of goods being openly traded, something else distinctly captured Ethan's attention.

Slaves.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise as he observed them.

Some were beastfolk, others were captured warriors, and many were servants specifically trained for arduous labor or specialized tasks.

Among this unfortunate group, Ethan even managed to spot members of exotic races, such as lithe fox spirits and alluring succubi.

"Where could they possibly have acquired a succubus?" Ethan inquired softly.

"Who can say?" Rathlos responded, casting a brief, unconcerned glance in their direction.

Several individuals, scantily clad, were presented for scrutiny by potential buyers, much like ordinary commodities being appraised.

A dark expression gradually formed on Ethan's face.

Rathlos, sensing Ethan's intense scrutiny, felt an unsettling gaze fall upon him suddenly.

"What is it?" Rathlos inquired, a touch of awkwardness in his voice.

"Are you interested in acquiring one of them?"

"..."

Rathlos let out a quick cough to cover his unease.

"I didn't mean it like that."

"I was merely commenting on their impressive physiques, though their faces..."

Ethan followed Rathlos's line of sight.

The women presented possessed stunning figures, yet a profound emptiness marked their countenances.

Some exhibited fear, while others radiated desperation.

A significant number simply stared forward, their eyes devoid of any spark.

A similar sight was observed among the male slaves displayed in adjacent areas.

The market was segmented, with distinct sections catering to different types of enslaved individuals.

Warrior slaves.

Labor slaves.

Domestic help.

Numerous classifications were evident.

Rathlos turned his attention back to Ethan.

"Do you intend to intervene?" he asked in a low tone.

After a prolonged observation of the scene, Ethan finally let out a sigh.

"Look, it's not that I fundamentally object to the practice of slavery itself."

"What I detest is the imposition of it upon the unwilling."

He paused for a moment.

"People might perceive my stance as arising from modern ethical standards or principles."

"That is not the case."

His voice took on a colder edge.

"This is a matter of personal conviction."

Memories of his past resurfaced.

During his earlier career in the modeling industry, prior to his arrival in this new realm, he had witnessed firsthand the callous manner in which powerful individuals treated those beneath them.

He had seen exceptionally talented persons compelled to debase themselves before authority figures simply to ensure their survival. He himself had endured moments where swallowing humiliation was necessary to persevere.

Fortunately, his family's influence and considerable resources had provided him with protection.

Yet, the experience had undoubtedly left an indelible mark.

From that point forward, he harbored a deep-seated aversion to such exploitative practices.

"If an individual chooses to sell themselves willingly as a means of survival, that is their prerogative," Ethan elaborated.

"However, the majority of these individuals were coerced."

"It's probable they were leading ordinary lives until some wretched adventurers raided their homes and brought them here."

He surveyed the slave market once more.

Then, a slow shake of his head followed.

"Even if I harbored a desire to alter this situation, I cannot act at this moment."

"Our current strength is insufficient."

A subtle glint of unyielding determination flickered within his eyes.

"But there will come a day..."

"When this will be different."